2013 Australian Koala Gilded Edition Silver Coin Available

This week the Perth Mint of Australia released its 2013 Australian Koala Gilded Edition Silver Coin.

2013 Australian Koala Gilded Edition Silver Coin

It marks the sixth annual release in a series of koala silver gilded coins that debuted in 2008. Like its predecessors, this latest silver coin features a unique image of a koala gilded in 24-karat gold.

Depicted is an adult koala nestled in the branch of a eucalyptus tree. Surrounding the marsupial are the words "AUSTRALIAN KOALA," "2013" and "1 oz 999 SILVER." The reverse design, by artist Tom Vaughan, debuted on earlier issued bullion versions.

Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is on the obverse with outer words of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA" and "1 DOLLAR."

The "1 Dollar" inscription is indicative of the coin’s legal tender face value under the authority granted in the Australian Currency Act of 1965.

Coins from the gilded edition series have a diameter of 40.60 mm, a thickness of 4.00 mm, a gross weight of 31.135 grams and a composition of 99.9% fine silver. Each is inside a black presentation case and includes a numbered certificate of authenticity along with an illustrated shipper. The certificate indicates the maximum 10,000 mintage.

The 2013 Australian Koala Gilded Edition Silver Coin is available through the Perth Mint website for AUS $94.55, or US $99.40. Pricing is subject to change based on silver market condition.

The Royal Mint of England originally opened the Perth Mint of Australia (http://www.perthmint.com.au/) in 1899 as a branch of the London facility. It continued in operation as a branch of the Royal Mint until ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia in 1970.

Today, the Perth Mint is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. In addition, it produces some of the world’s most unique collectible coins.